Renewal of Global Call to Action Against Poverty

The Global Call to Action Against Poverty - the international campaign of which MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY was the UK member - has chosen the month from September 16 to October 17 as the 2006 month of action against poverty.

At a meeting in March 2006, with 175 representatives from all over the world, the Global Call to Action Against Poverty renewed its commitment to fighting poverty and inequality. The major focus of activity is the campaigns within each country - but by coming together internationally as part of the Global Call, we make our voices even stronger.

The meeting issued a declaration which recognised the success of massive public campaigning in 2005, saying that "political will has been generated by tremendous global mass action and public opinion change on poverty". The declaration emphasised how important it is for campaigners around the world to unite in common cause, saying that "the white band will remain our symbol and expression of solidarity against poverty", and that "we believe that the world can unite in solidarity against poverty".

Debt cancellation remains a key demand for the Global Call, alongside calls for trade justice, more and better aid, tax justice and action to strengthen national governments' accountability to their people.

Crucially, the meeting agreed on a month of sustained action against poverty, from 16 September 2006 - just ahead of the annual meetings of the World Bank and IMF - to the 17 October, the international poverty day. Jubilee Debt Campaign is planning activity for this month - but local campaigners can also start planning their own white band actions.

The full declaration from the meeting can be downloaded on the right.